Tuesday, 16 February 2010

It’s bad enough not being fully active and able when you suffer any form of life debilitating condition. It’s even worse when you are (were) a healthy young person, with your whole live ahead of you, and a simple vaccine takes it all away from you.

You see your friends out playing. Mentally, you think about joining them but all the body can do is lay down. You haven’t got any energy, you can hardly breath, you’re in pain, you can’t stand for too long and the list goes on.

So, today, I’m back with another scandal for you and another warning for young people, parents, grandparents, guardians and anyone who cares about someone dear.

This time my warning is about a vaccine called: Gardasil.

Many of you may remember Gardasil from a few years ago when, a celebrity talk show host announced to the world, there would soon be a time mothers would be able to vaccinate their daughters against cervical cancer.

At the time, I, for one, having had cervical cancer twice now, remember thinking what a blessing it would be for young women not to have to go through what I have. As it turns out, thousands of young girls, young women, and counting, are going through much worse; not because of cervical cancer but because of the “so say” preventative vaccine they received.

Worst of all, it seems that young women might not be the only ones who will continue to suffer. Merck now produce a vaccine for young men and boys as well.

Gardasil, which is also known as Siligard, (produced by Merck), was suppose to be the miracle vaccine that would protect young girls from human papillomaviruses (HPV.) What are these? These are viruses that can cause cervical, vaginal, anal and penile types of cancers as well as genital warts.

26 million vaccines of Gardasil were distributed in the USA. On the 1st September 2009, the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) reported that in 15,037 people who received the vaccine, 93% had (what were considered non serious side effects whilst the remaining 7% suffered what were considered serious side effects; including death.

It is worth mentioning here that in the non serious side effect category young adults reported fainting, which caused more serious injuries sustained to the head. I would just like to say here that an injury sustained to the head can be very serious and sometimes fatal, so how this can be considered not serious is beyond me.

However, as the packaging now states, preventative measures such as “close monitoring” after injection of the substance can help to reduce the risk of accidents that might occur due to fainting.

Yet is it enough? I question this because of the aluminum ingredient contained in the vaccine, which I will cover a little further down in the report.

An interesting fact worth noting is the way VAERS compiles its data for events; not just for adverse effects to this vaccine but to any vaccine.

Anyone can file an adverse reaction to a vaccine; either directly to VAERS (online) or via a health adviser. However, the majority of data VAERS receives comes from the vaccine manufacturers, at a staggering 37%; compared to only a 7% from parents/guardians. So, I have to question how accurate any of its data truly is.

It would seem to me that there is a bias in data in favour of the pharmaceutical companies who are behind the products they are manufacturing and selling.

8,000 deaths were reported in 2008. I couldn’t find any up to date figures for 2010 but then I didn’t really go digging deep enough. I’m sure if someone wanted to really find them, they could.

So, what are the ingredients? Know them in detail:

Amorphous Aluminum

We all know that aluminum is a metal. Amorphous comes from the Greek amorphos, which means “without shape.” You probably know a great deal about aluminum. It’s the stuff aircraft structures are made of. Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion. It is also a great catalyst, which means it increases the speed at which a chemical agent reacts.

It’s been dubbed the new mercury in vaccines. How safe is it? Nobody quite knows yet. However, all the accounts I’ve read online, which you can read too if you search Aluminum don’t have anything to say in its favour.

How toxic is it to humans and in what quantities? Again, it’s an unanswerable question. There have never been sufficient clinical trials carried out to test its safety. Let’s just say that what we know so far makes aluminum about as toxic to humans as mercury.

Another very important question we should be asking here is, what are the effects of aluminum on the brain? Because, ultimately, when we’re injected with it, that’s where it will end up as well.

Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate

Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate is an adjuvnt of aluminum. It’s used in vaccines to “so say” stimulate the immune system. However, I quote: -

Animal and human studies have shown that aluminum can cause nerve cell death [1] and that vaccine aluminum adjuvants can allow aluminum to enter the brain, [2,3] as well as cause inflammation at the injection site leading to chronic joint and muscle pain and fatigue.

- end quote -

sodium chloride - salt

L-histidine - an amino acid

Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is the drug known as Tween 80, used in the H1N1 vaccine I covered in one of my last posts. It’s a drug used to trick the blood brain barrier to open up so that nano-drugs can be carried through into the brain. However, in 2005, it was discovered that this drug can cause hives, breathing problems and a sharp enough drop in blood pressure to actually be fatal. Aside from this, it was found to cause infertility in mice.

For a fuller description of Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) you can refer to my article: H1N1 Vaccine - Know it in detail (Part 2.)

Sodium borate

Sodium borate is also known as Borax. It’s an interesting ingredient, in my opinion, to have in a vaccine since it is primarily used as an agent in detergents, ceramics, pottery, enamels, insecticides for cockroaches, ants and such likes. It’s also used as inks for dip pens, a treatment for thrush in horses’ hooves and as a buffering agent to control the Ph in swimming pools.

Packaging Information - Courtesy of the FDA website

6 ADVERSEREACTIONSOverall Summary of Adverse ReactionsHeadache, fever, nausea, and dizziness; and local injection site reactions (pain, swelling, erythema, pruritus, and bruising) occurred after administration with GARDASIL.Syncope, sometimes associated with tonic-clonic movements and other seizure-like activity, has been reported following vaccination with GARDASIL and may result in falling with injury; observation for 15 minutes after administration is recommended. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1).]Anaphylaxis has been reported following vaccination with GARDASIL.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of FertilityGARDASIL has not been evaluated for the potential to cause carcinogenicity or genotoxicity.GARDASIL administered to female rats at a dose of 120 mcg total protein, which is equivalent to the recommended human dose, had no effects on mating performance, fertility, or embryonic/fetal survival.The effect of GARDASIL on male fertility has been studied in male rats at an intramuscular dose of 0.5 mL/rat/occasion (120 mcg total protein which is equivalent to the recommended human dose). One group of male rats was administered GARDASIL once, 3 days prior to cohabitation, and a second group of male rats was administered GARDASIL three times, at 6 weeks, 3 weeks, and 3 days prior to cohabitation. There were no treatment-related effects on reproductive performance including fertility, sperm count, and sperm motility. There were no treatment-related gross or histomorphologic and weight changes on the testes.

End quote -

For full packaging detail, I’ve provided the link below.

Please note: Infertility tests were carried out on rats at intervals of 3 days, 3 weeks and 6 weeks prior to mating. My question is, what about the long term effects? Given the Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) content, what do we know about how it will affect reproductivity in the future? Where are the long term study results of its effects on reproductivity?

The packaging says: - and I quote -

Because these events were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to vaccine exposure.

End quote -

Is it not fairer to say that the pharmaceutical companies were in such a hurry to get their product on the market to make money, that, instead of spending more money, time and energy on doing another “more thorough test, they decided to seek FDA approval with fancy wording and do a live test on a much larger population? i.e. the general public.

Let me just say here that I am not against pharmaceutical companies in any way and I am not against vaccinations in any way. What I am against is pharmaceutical companies using the general population as live guinea pigs for products that have been insufficiently tested in clinical trials.

I also feel that the old methods of scientific research are outdated. The controlled methods of testing versus the placebo groups just don’t work anymore. They’re fast and they’re convenient and statistics are drawn from means calculations.

In some countries, doctors and health officials get kick backs (commissions) from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing their drugs. If you didn’t know that, there’s an interesting thought for you to ponder on.

I wonder if reports on studies are subject to such biases as well in certain countries where product tests are carried out. We already know that research is funded by companies who have an invested interest in seeing their product on the market.

One last thought I will leave you with is this. A product maybe tested in 7, 13, 25 or however many different countries. In some countries it is unethical to pay volunteers to participate. However, in others it is not. For some people, being clinical volunteers is an only way to survive and feed a family.

In some countries, that are considered third world, participants are considered less than human. In fact, they are probably considered less than laboratory rats. If they suffer serious side effects, and they’ve been paid, do you honestly think the results would make it into the study reports? I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions.

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

As I mentioned in an earlier post this week, Sunday the 14th February 2010 that traditionally marks St. Valentine’s day, this year will mark Losar; the Tibetan New Year. It will be the year 2137; the year of the Tiger of Iron. It is believed to be a time for renewal, for hope and for change; especially for Tibet and Tibetan people.

Losar is a celebratory tradition that pre-dates Buddhism to the Bon period, which is one of the earliest faiths in Tibet. In fact, it was Tibet’s first emperor, Songtsen-gampo (Srong-btsan sgam-po, r. 617 – 649 C.E.), who introduced Buddhism into Tibet.

Although two very distinct religions, Bon and Buddhism shared much in common. However, Bon was not really an organised religion. Many of its practices had closer ties with popular Tibetan traditions and culture. Buddhism, however, was very much organised and patroned by the Emperor and many of his allies in Nepal and Bhutan.

The Losar celebrations use to last up to 15 days. During Bon times, people would burn large amounts of incense to ward off evil spirits. Since they were unfamiliar with the lunar cycles that were introduced by an old lady called Belma and now determine the Tibetan calendar, celebrations usually coincided with harvesting and planting time. In fact, Losar was originally considered a farmer’s festival.

Nowadays, Losar celebrations last about 3 days. In the monasteries, religious practices start on the 29th day of the 12th month; equivalent to the Tibetan New Year’s Eve. Offerings are made for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Pujas, meditations, prayers and chants are carried out for global peace, and love among all beings.

On this day, the 14th February 2010, Tibetans everywhere will be “Honouring” their culture, their religion and their history; proud of who they are and where they come from; hoping to one day return to their mother land, and in some cases to be reunited with what remains of their friends and loved ones.

Yet, this does not necessarily mean that all Tibetans will be celebrating Losar. Many have decided to mourn the deceased, the executed and the slaughtered. Many have decided to abstain from all celebrations in solidarity and homage to those still imprisoned; being tortured.

1.2 million Tibetans dead and more die every day. If you can’t imagine that figure, think of it as wiping out the whole population of Dallas or Harare or Salt Lake City or Karaj or even Florida. Can you imagine that? That’s what it’s equivalent to.

More and more Tibetans disappear every day. More and more Tibetans try to flee Tibet in search of a better life in exile. Some make it and some don’t.

For 51 years, Tibetan people have been forced to live in exile or under the Chinese regime. This same regime now is trying to bribe Tibetans to celebrate Losar against their will; offering them free gifts and offering to pay for their celebrations in Tibet.

Yet what price, I ask, can the Chinese government put on human life? On each and every human life lost? What price can the Chinese government pay for the suffering endured by those left behind to mourn? What possible amount of money can the Chinese Government pay for each child that can longer run to the loving arms of their mother or father in times of need?

What sum of money can bring back peaceful sleep to those who awake at night haunted by the horrific events that took place in Tibet?

Why pay any money at all? It’s obvious this is just another attempt at putting on a show for global vision. It’s another distorted propaganda stunt to try and raise the Chinese Government’s image in affairs of public relations.

It’s completely contradictory to recent events as well. In fact, just recently, the Ministry of Education removed the University of Calgary (USA) from their list of accredited institutions. Why? Because the University bestowed his Holiness the Dalai Lama with an Honorary Degree.

Let me just say here that when I talk about the Chinese Government, I am not talking about the Chinese people. I have many beautiful Chinese friends. I lived and worked in China. I had first hand experience of Chinese politics (in reality - on a day to day living basis) and how it affects the Chinese people themselves, and it’s not much better for the people in less fortunate positions.

For 51 years now, Tibetan people have stood resilient in their beliefs from generation to generation. For 51 years now, Tibetan people have been true to themselves and their culture. For 51 years now, everyone who has said something, or says something, is silenced in some way. I wrote an article in November that you can find here if you haven’t read it already. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=178894765875

For 51 years now, Tibetan people have shown they can bend like a cane in the wind but they cannot be broken. Tibet, the land, may not be free from Chinese rule but Tibetans have shown that their hearts and their spirit are very much strong and free.

If the Chinese Government really want to do something for Tibet and Tibetans, for Losar, then they could start by releasing some of the imprisoned. Then, they could go back to the negotiating table and identify (among themselves) how they could return Tibet to its people without losing face. These two simple gestures would be worth more than they could ever offer in monetary compensation to pay for any celebration.

Here in Madeira, our small but zealous Buddhist community will Honour Tibetans everywhere by commemorating Losar, on Sunday, at our modest meditation centre.

To all my Tibetans friends at Kopan Monastery, (who welcomed me into their home and made it my home), Kopan Nunnery, (my beautiful ladies who touched the very heart of me), Hengja Tibetan Refugee Camp, (who gave me a piece of their heart and accepted a piece of mine), Pokhara, Lakeside, Kathmandu, (I couldn’t have wished to meet nicer people), India & Tibet (I’ll get there one day - I promise) and Lisbon (Um dia vou regressar!) - although I can't be there in person, I am there in spirit. - Tashi Delek Losar -

Monday, 1 February 2010

Since I investigated and posted my research report with reference to the H1N1 vaccine and its effects, I felt it my responsibility to also research and post a report about Homeopathic and Natural remedies and their effects.

Firstly, to understand how any medication can be effective in the treatment of any condition, we have to understand the condition itself, how it operates within the body and where it strikes the most. The tendency of any Influenza virus is to affect the respiratory areas, which is why most of us, when we have the flu, suffer with coughing, bronchitis, sneezing etc.

The H1N1 virus (Influenza A, Gripe A or Swine flu) is no different. It behaves pretty much like a normal flu. It enters through the nose and mouth. It affects the upper respiratory areas; causing bronchial syndromes and is spread by coughing and sneezing. However, it does not go deep enough into the lungs to cause anything that could potentially kill us like pneumonia - unlike the H5N1 (Avian flu virus) that does and could. You can find a comparative report on the following site. - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8028371.stm

As I stated in my last report, the only time any human is in imminent danger of death, with any Influenza, would appear to be if the body has what is known as a Cytokine response. Please refer to my H1N1 vaccine report if you need clarification of what the Cytokine response is.

There seems to be a general lack of scientific data regarding the swine flu behaviour in humans, which leads me to two conclusions: a) there is an insufficiency of medical studies being carried out at this time and/or b) it was never considered dangerous enough to conduct such detailed studies in the first place. Of course, there is also the hypothesis that research is being conducted as I type this, and has not yet become public property.

Working with what we know:

Firstly: we need to (obviously) avoid further contaminations. You all know what to do. Publicity is everywhere. Respect it. Be informed in order to protect yourselves, your loved ones and other people around you.

Secondly: we need to protect our lungs. We can do this in a number of relatively inexpensive and easy ways.

Prevention:

Just a simple few things will help: avoid direct contact with cold air, wear a scarf and all the usual things you would do in winter time to avoid catching a cold. Plus you can add a couple of drops of lavender oil to your pillow at night. Not only will it help you breathe more easily, it will also help you sleep more restfully. The better the body rests, the better the immune system repairs any damage from outside influences.

If you feel a little bit of cold, or a chill, coming on you can add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, 5 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of peppermint oil to a full bath of hot water (as hot as you can stand it without burning yourself.) Stay in the bath 20 minutes; a) because that’s sufficient enough time for the oils to be absorbed through the skin and b) inhalation of the vapours, produced by the oils in the water, will help to clear the lungs.

Eucalytus oil - is cleansing and balancing. It kills off germs and bacteria and soothes aching muscular pains. It helps with coughs and has long been used in throat lozenges, oils and balms such as Vicks and Olbas because of its soothing properties. You can even burn a few drops in some water in an oil burner to cleanse a room.

Lavender oil - is marketed primarily as a soothing and calming oil. However, what many people don’t know is that this oil is also a very potent anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent. It’s also the oil that is least responsible for causing allergies in people. However, you should still do an allergy test before using it.

Peppermint oil - Peppermint is commonly known to be a great aid in digestion. Yet, what many people don’t know is that peppermint oil is an excellent natural expectorant. It clears the respiratory tract and therefore helps with bronchial infections, coughs, colds and breathing problems in general.

Please note: - Before you use any type of Aromatherapy oils, you should check your tolerance and whether (or not) you have any allergies to them. You can check with your local health shop (or supplier) if you are unsure how to do this. Or, you can consult a Holistic Health therapist in your area.

Take a Vitamin C supplement or, if you are already taking one, increase the dosage to between 1000 - 1500 mgs per day. Take an anti-oxidant supplement. Drink plenty of fluids.

If you have the beginning of a slight fever as well, remember the saying: “feed a cold, starve a fever”

Aside from being able to still use the above, you can also do the following:

During the virally contaminated period, avoid eating dairy products, soya, eggs and any other products that cause an excess production of mucus. This will help the lungs to dry out quicker. Drink plenty of water to help flush all the toxins out of the body.

You can also take Echinea drops - about 10 drops 3 to 4 times a day. Take a zinc supplement. In elevated quantities it can be toxic. So, you don’t want to exceed about 20mg per day. This mineral has also been studied as an anti-carcinogenesis.

In Ayurvedic remedies, it is believed that drinking hot ginger with honey is very effective for bronchial disorders. It’s even more effective when it’s combined with pepper and cloves. Another very effective herb is turmeric. You can add it to your cooking or you can add one teaspoon to half a glass of milk and drink that 2 or 3 times a day. Eat plenty of onions and drink plenty of orange juice. Increase the amount of dark green leaf vegetables you consume. The lighter you eat, the more energy you free up for the body to focus on fighting the disease.

Homeopathy

I did some research to investigate the H1N1 virus (Swine flu, Influenza A, Gripe A) from a Homeopathic point of view and found that a group of Doctors in Mexico have had very successful results with both preventative measures and remedies. I quote: - http://www.naturalnews.com/026839_homeopathy_homeopathic_doctors.html

PROPHYLAXIS (meaning preventive)1. Homeopathic remediesa. BAPTISIA TINCTOREAb. INFLUENZINUMc. ARSENICUM ALBUMFrom the Mexico City Doctors Report"In homeopathy there are no specific medicines for a particular nosological picture (for which the most common symptoms are taken into account). But in epidemics, due to the common causative agent, susceptibility of the population in this particular moment, and the repetition of symptoms, a group of the most useful remedies can be deduced. The remedies determined in this way are called the Genius Epidemicus. They consist of a group of medicines with symptoms most similar to those presented by most patients suffering this flu.""For homeopathic treatment is it necessary to take into account the degree of reaction of the patient and the symptoms with which the disease manifests itself. We considered this and the symptoms observed during the last epidemic (1918) to find the similar remedy."Homepathic Remedies Listed by the Mexican Doctors and Directly Copied Here Which They Successfully Employed Against the 2009 Mexican FluAconitum napellus, Actea racemosa, Allium cepa, Ammonium phosphoricum, Antimonium tartaricum, Arnica montana, Arsenicum album, Baptisia tinctoria, Belladonna atropa, Bryonia alba, Camphora, Carbo vegetabilis, Carbolic acid, Causticum, Chamomilla, China officinalis, Drosera rotundifolia, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Euphrasia, Ferrum phosphoricum, Gelsemium sempervirens, Glonoinum, Hepatica triloba, Hyosciamus niger, Influenzinum (corresponding to the epidemic), Ipecauanha, Lachesis trigonocephalus, Lycopodium clavatum, Mercurius vivus, Natrum sulphuricum, Nux vomica, Opium, Phosphorus, Phytolacca decandra, Pulsatilla, Pyrogenium, Rhus toxicodendron, Sticta pulmonaria, Sepia officinalis, Sulphur.

End quote -

My suggestion is, if anyone is interested in Homeopathic remedies, go and speak to your local Homeopath. As a certified Homeopath, I can tell you that Homeopathic remedies are not toxic to the body within the prescribed guidelines. Even if you have had the H1N1 virus and you have concerns, you can discuss them with a Homeopath.

The Beijing Tibetan Medicine Hospital has developed an upgraded medicament of "nine-flavored murrain-prevention powder," and donated to staff at the A/H1N1 influenza prevention frontline in Beijing and the quake-hit areas in Sichuan and Gansu provinces. The smell of the medicament made of aconite and musk can arouse human's immunity and adjustment systems, thus preventing respiratory infectious diseases. Developed in 2003, the medicine played an important role in fighting against SARS.

End quote -

I have not been able to determine the effectiveness of this particular medicament, since I could not find any medical reports pertaining to it. However, I have seen the effectiveness of Tibetan Medicine in other fields.

I hope this information proves useful to someone out there somewhere. God Bless and be safe.